Schindler's List (1993)

Schindler’s List

• I am truly blown away by this movie. Truly. It was just so ridiculously fantastic, in both a good and bad way. It’s obviously a movie that’s about a very sensitive subject, and it shows you the true horrors of the Nazi Party and the Holocaust. It hits you right in the gut, and though I was obviously never affected by it, it really pulled at my heart. This is one of those movies that everyone needs to see at least once, as it teaches an important lesson. The story is based on the actual Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jews. So needless to say, his story needed to be told. And who better to do it than Spielberg? He brings his story to life in both a touching yet very tragic way. It’s a very serious film, so it sounds weird to say it was awesome, but it was. Aside from the depressing story, the film itself was beautiful. It was just so fantastically made, though it has a very heavy feel. I love how it was shot in black and white, and I wouldn’t want it every other way. It perfectly fits the time and setting, as well as giving it an authentic aesthetic. It just makes it feel so real. I loved the use of color for the red coat girl, which is great symbolism for what’s really happening. The acting was also incredible. Liam Neeson does a marvelous job, and Ralph Fiennes was also fantastic, though his character was horrifically evil. The most gut wrenching part of the movie was all the extras who played the Jews, as they were able to portray some raw emotion that really pushes the point of what happened to them. And don’t even get me started on the ending. I won’t say what happens for spoiler reasons, but it left me in tears, both happy and sad. It was a beautiful way to end the film, and I can’t think of any other way I would’ve wanted it to end. Plus, the stunning score from John Williams puts this movie over the top. Most of the music is slow and almost painful (emotion-wise), but it’s necessary. The lone violin was also extremely haunting, as well as beautiful. Overall, this is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen, and a sad but educational reminder of our world’s past. I would highly recommend it to everyone, and it’s one of the most gut-wrenching yet powerful movies of all time. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!